IG vows to unmask 'Pinky drug cartel' operatives

Says several 'credible names' have surfaced in high-profile case; warns of cyber shift in narcotics trade

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KARACHI:

The Sindh police chief Javed Alam Odho on Tuesday said that several credible names had surfaced in the high-profile Anmol, alias Pinky, case, vowing that all those involved - including drug buyers and those engaged in large-scale distribution - would be exposed.

Addressing traders at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and later speaking to the media, IGP Odho said crimes such as extortion and narcotics trafficking were increasingly shifting to cyberspace. He revealed that the suspect, Pinky, could be operating several accounts, adding that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had been engaged to probe financial and banking aspects of the case.

He cautioned against glamorising the accused, saying such portrayal should not reach a point where films are made about criminals. He clarified that Pinky had not been provided any extraordinary security, but only routine protection.

IGP Odho said they were compiling lists of drug dealers operating near educational institutions and those using digital platforms for narcotics sales. He added that, with the support of the Sindh government, efforts were underway to eradicate drugs, and over 1,000 suspects had already been arrested. "Those involved in narcotics will not be spared," he added.

Referring to operations in riverine (katcha) areas, IGP Odho said the success of the ongoing crackdown was due to the efforts of Sindh police personnel. He claimed that street crime in Karachi was gradually declining each month, though further reduction remained a priority. He added that the pace of the katcha operation, ongoing for the past two and a half years, needed to be accelerated, as several pockets still remained no-go areas where dacoits possessed modern weaponry.

"In the past, police frequently had to retrieve bodies of citizens from these areas," he said, referring to key routes including the motorway, National Highway and Indus Highway along the Indus River. "Our resolve is to make the katcha region peaceful."

He said that in the past four months, 41 hardened criminals had been killed, while 320 had surrendered and more than 600 had either been arrested or laid down arms across a 250-kilometre stretch.

The provincial police chief further stated that Karachi no longer had no-go areas and claimed that none existed across Sindh. He stressed the need for sustainable peace through coordinated efforts with the provincial government, including work on grain storage systems.

Highlighting urban challenges, IGP Odho proposed relocating wholesale markets outside the metropolis, similar to the vegetable market, to ease traffic congestion. He also suggested developing expressways for industrial zones, particularly along the Northern Bypass, terming it a long-term solution to traffic issues.

"The core issue lies with Karachi Port. The business community must work with the government to address it," he said, adding that collective efforts had led to the success of initiatives such as "Bunyan-un-Marsoos."

He further stated that over Rs500 million had been collected in fines, reiterating that the objective was to ensure enforcement of the law. He added that the presence of wholesale markets within the city contributed significantly to traffic congestion and called on the KCCI to play its role in relocating them.

IGP Odho said vehicle number plate fees in Sindh had been reduced to align with neighbouring provinces, while trackers had been installed in 70 per cent of tankers. He added that vehicle fitness certification would be introduced under a public-private partnership model, in collaboration with automobile companies.